The Myth of the "Clean Slate"

I hear a lot of talk about "starting with a clean slate" at the beginning of a new calendar year.

But guess what?

It doesn't work that way.

None of us can start completely from scratch. No one is absolved of their histories. We can't erase what's already been done. And we certainly can't wipe clean any of our actions or deeds from the memories of others.

So be it.

Having a "clean slate," so to speak, is overrated. Chances are, you wouldn't even be considering "turning over a new leaf" or "taking a plunge" or whatever mantra-esque resolution you've proposed for this new year if it were not for the journey you have already taken.

Perhaps I'm alone here, but I embrace the successes, failures, good times, and less than good times that have brought me to where I am. I've had some unbelievable highs and some debilitating lows. But none of that goes away at the turn of the year, no matter how hard I will away the past.

Swimming in Uganda - one of my favorite memories of 2014.

The only "clean slate" we can hope to have in the new year (or at any point in life when you're ready to make a change) is a solemn vow that we take, perhaps known only to ourselves, that we are going to practice a new way of living, working, loving, being, what-have-you.

Go ahead and declare this time of year as the beginning of your "clean slate." Just don't fall prey to the illusion that your past no longer matters. Our pasts, our histories, are not meant to weigh us down like so many chains. Rather, who we have been creates potential for who we are to become.

Happy New Year and cheers to becoming the truest form of yourself!